A list of books for every level. They cover a range of themes and topics. These are books for to use with students as well as resources for yourself!
Sections
3
Elementary Must Have Books
Middle School Must Have Books
High School Must Have Books
Elementary Must Have Books
Books for elementary school counselors that cover a range of themes, including social-emotional development, friendship, resilience, and positive behavior, providing valuable resources for supporting young students.
Encourages positive behavior by teaching children the concept of filling others' buckets with kindness.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
A humorous story helping kids understand and manage impulsive behaviors, particularly interrupting.
My Mouth Is A Volcano: About Interrupting
A beautifully illustrated book that encourages a growth mindset and resilience in the face of challenges.
What Do You Do with a Problem? - Barnes & Noble
Inspires creativity and self-expression, encouraging children to embrace their unique abilities.
The Dot - Peter H Reynolds: Books
Promotes self-acceptance and positive self-esteem in children.
I Am Enough by Byers, Grace
Teaches the importance of listening and understanding others in a school setting.
Whole Body Listening Larry at School! 2nd Ed.
A heartwarming book that explores the idea that we are all connected by an invisible string of love.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
A colorful exploration of emotions, helping children understand and express their feelings.
The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
A humorous story that addresses responsibility and accountability in a child-friendly way.
But It's Not My Fault!
Encourages children to consider the consequences of their actions and make positive choices.
What If Everybody Did That? by Javernick, Ellen
Addresses anger management by teaching kids strategies to cool down when they feel “fizzy”.
Soda Pop Head
A comforting book about separation anxiety, especially useful for the beginning of the school year.
The Kissing Hand: Penn, Audrey, Harper, Ruth
Celebrates uniqueness and self-confidence, encouraging children to embrace who they are.
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon - Books
Helps children distinguish between teasing and bullying while promoting empathy and kindness.
Tease Monster: Teasing vs. Bullying Book
A story that explores emotions, particularly anger, and offers coping strategies for young readers.
When Sophie Gets Angry-Really, Really Angry
Addresses the topic of bullying on the playground and promotes friendship and kindness.
The Recess Queen by O'Neill, Alexis
Celebrates diversity and teaches the importance of embracing one's unique name and identity.
Chrysanthemum: Kevin Henkes - Books
Introduces the concept of a growth mindset and encourages children to embrace learning challenges.
I Can't Do That, YET: Growth Mindset Book
A reassuring book for children dealing with separation anxiety and the transition to school.
Llama Llama Misses Mama: Dewdney, Anna
A delightful series that emphasizes friendship, sharing, and cooperation through the adventures of Bear and his friends.
Bear Snores On (The Bear Books)
Middle School Must Have Books
These must-have books for middle school counselors cover a range of topics, from academic success to social-emotional well-being, providing valuable resources to support the diverse needs of middle school students.
A guide that helps students develop positive habits for personal and academic success.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Covey
Offers insights and strategies for navigating the middle school years.
Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need
LOVE this book! Explores the concept of mindset and how it impacts learning and achievement.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Addresses bullying dynamics and provides strategies for intervention and prevention.
The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander
Explores the challenges faced by adolescent girls and offers guidance and support.
Reviving Ophelia: Saving Adolescent Girls
Focuses on understanding and addressing behavioral challenges in students.
Lost at School by Greene Ph.D., Ross W.
Offers insight on leadership and building a culture of courage and vulnerability.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations.
Provides ready-to-use group counseling activities and discussions.
Small Groups for Counselors - Grades K-3
Helps students develop grit and resilience for academic and personal success.
The Grit Guide for Teens: A Workbook to Help You
Offers practical exercises to help teens manage and overcome anxiety.
The Anxiety Workbook for Teens
Explores strategies for understanding and supporting brain development in adolescents.
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies
Introduces students to the concept of neuroplasticity and the potential for growth.
Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Growth Mindset Book
Encourages self-reflection and guides students in developing strong character traits.
Free Spirit What Do You Stand For? For Teens
Provides practical activities to help students develop essential social skills.
Social Skills Activities for Secondary Students
Focuses on promoting optimism and resilience in children.
The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program
A collection of inspirational stories for teens dealing with various challenges.
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: Stories
Explores challenges faced by girls and offers insights for support.
Girls on the Edge: The Four Factors Driving...
A comprehensive guide for school counselors, addressing the evolving role in a changing educational landscape.
The Essential School Counselor in a Changing Society
A resourceful guide for school counselors covering various aspects of counseling.
Counseling Children and Adolescents: Theory...
Addresses trauma-sensitive approaches in education to support the well-being of students.
Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating
Hands down a book that every counselor needs to read! A great insight into trauma and how it affects the brain.
The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: Stories ...
I learned SO much about the brain and how our body is affected by trauma.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
A great book to read if you are wanting to understand emotions and how they work.
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection
High School Must Have Books
Books for high school counselors that cover a range of personal development topics, providing valuable resources for students as they navigate academic, social, and personal challenges.
Explores the concept of mindset and how it impacts success, offering insights for high school students.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Examines the role of grit in achieving long-term goals, a valuable read for high school students facing challenges.
Grit: The Power of Passion by Angela Duckworth
Offers timeless principles for personal effectiveness and success applicable to high school students.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
A classic guide to effective communication and relationship-building, relevant for high school students navigating social dynamics.
How to Win Friends & Influence People
Encourages authenticity and self-compassion, valuable for high school students exploring their identities.
Workbook For The Gifts of Imperfection
Focuses on the power of small habits and their impact on personal development, suitable for high school students.
Atomic Habits: Proven Way to Build Good Habits
Offers a code of conduct for personal growth and self-discovery, applicable to high school students navigating choices.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide ...
Encourages living in the present moment and finding peace, relevant for high school students managing stress and expectations.
The Power of Now: Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Empowers readers to overcome self-doubt and pursue their goals, a motivating read for high school students.
You Are a Badass: Stop Doubting Your Greatness
Explores strategies for cultivating focus and productivity, beneficial for high school students managing academic demands.
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success
Discusses the connection between happiness and success, offering insights for high school students on well-being.
The Happiness Advantage: 7 Principles of Success
Challenges conventional notions of success and encourages readers to focus on what truly matters.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counter...
A compelling memoir about overcoming obstacles and pursuing education, inspiring for students with aspirations.
Educated: A Memoir by Westover, Tara
Explores the path to personal and spiritual growth, offering insights for high school students navigating complex choices.
The Road Less Traveled, Timeless Edition
Examines motivation and what drives human behavior, relevant for high school students setting academic and personal goals.
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be... by Brene Brown
Offers a perspective on approaching challenges with creativity and optimism, applicable to high school students.
The Art of Possibility
Presents life lessons through simple actions offering practical wisdom for high school students.
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change...
Introduces a simple technique to overcome hesitation and take decisive action.
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
Explores the connections between emotions, behaviors, and personal growth, applicable for high school students navigating financial literacy and healthy habits.
